Where is Ceylon? Describe some of the main historical events that transpired from the time the Ondaatje's arrived in Ceylon until Michael's day.

Why do you think that Michael writes in a post-modern narrative style? Does this make the book clearer or more confusing?

Describe Michael's portrait of Lalla, his grandmother. What is she like? What does Michael think of her? How does she fit into the story?

Describe Michael's portrait of Doris, his mother. What is she like? What does Michael think of her? How does she fit into the story?

Why does Michael include short chapters that are brief descriptions of memories or scenes? What do they add to the book? Pick three such chapters and discuss them accordingly.

Describe Michael's portrait of Mervyn, his father. What is he liked? What does Michael think of him? How does he fit into the...